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Veterans Day

Does your family know the history of Veterans Day? President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the first Armistice Day on November 11, 1919, to remember those who served in World War I, which ended exactly 1 year before.

Eventually, this legal holiday became more inclusive. In 1954, Armistice Day was changed to Veterans Day to honor all U.S. veterans who have served in the armed forces.

On November 11, families looking for ways to mark Veterans Day might try these suggestions:

Learn about American history as a family, especially America's wars and why they were fought.

Fly a flag in front of your home.

Plant a tree in memory of those who died in recent or long-past conflicts.

Talk to veteran aunts, uncles, grandparents, or family friends about what it was like to serve in the armed forces. Ask them what their country means to them and how their experience changed their lives.